Visiting Friends

While Ken and I were in New York, we were thrilled that we could spend so much time with friends. Ken's wonderful friend, Mike, opened his home to us for as long as we needed/wanted.  Ken absolutely loves to wake up in the Village, and there is nothing better than me getting to see "Ultimate Ken."  His smile is brighter and he laughs more readily.  This is not to suggest that Ken is not happy at home or anything like that, but there is a subtle difference.  


Mike is an incredible host.  He is warm, friendly, and accommodating even when we're still on Pacific Time.  Mike and Ken had just spent two days in Kentucky on the Bourbon Trail, so the first thing we got to do was help Mike get his bar set up with the Jim Beam logo.  

We enjoyed going to The Akron House for supper with Mike, his youngest daughter, Tess, and Tom.  We had a great time at supper, and I spent the evening trying to absorb the fact that the entire interior was pink.  Not fun for me, but it was great to finally be able to go inside a restaurant that Ken was always talking about.  It was closed last year when we were there, but it opened again and the food was great.

Mike and Tess

Me and the Love of my Life!

I think that the Akron House was decorated by Pepto Bismal.  Wow, that's a lot of pink!

Ken was fortunate enough to catch up with a high school friend of his, Samantha (AKA Sam).  They caught up on Facebook - just like so many of us - and she was wonderfully gracious to accommodate our schedule in order to hang out.  Ken and Sam caught up on the last 19 years, and I was able to meet a very special gal whom I am now happy to call a friend.  

We got together the first night we arrived in New York at The Log Cabin, and then it was back and forth from there.  Ken and she enjoyed drinks on a night that jetlag was catching up with me. Ken and I were able to have supper with her again before we left for Cali, and she was able to meet Mike and enjoy his new bar.  

I look taller only because Sam was sitting and I was standing.  Hahahahaha!  Notice Ken's photography skills as I have orange skin to rival the Oompa-Loompas.  :)

We enjoyed a poker night at Mike's house.  I attempted to make Enchilada Pie with all of the fixin's for the evening.  Trying to find Mexican condiments and spices in upstate New York proved to be difficult, however, but it turned out well nonetheless.  


Barb, Mike's girlfriend, learned how to play poker.  Ken and I got to meet their friends Tom and  Char with her husband, Mike.  It was a fun night, and we laughed quite a bit with everyone.  Mike broke the rule and won the poker game.  We had managed to convince Barb to play informing her that everyone who learns to play that night wins the money.  

Mike and Barb (Barb is holding one of Ken's magical Margaritas)

I think it's safe to say that alcohol was somewhat to blame.  Char was incredibly entertaining and fun!

I am sooooo glad that I was able to capture this photo!  Awesome!

Then Tom joined the game.  I had a great time talking with him - he's a psych at the local VA Medical Center.  

There were a lot of other people that Ken had hoped to catch up with, but many of his friends are no longer in Akron or neighboring areas.  We were able to see Mike and Barb again at Shannon's Pub before we left.  Awesome place to hang out!

We are working to get Tess to join us at San Onofre this summer.  The girls would love to see her again, and we know she would LOVE hanging out on the beach in Cali for a week.  We are so blessed to have such great friends in our lives on the East Coast as well as on the West.


Ken is already working with Mike in order to find "reasons" to go back.  Mike is currently compiling a "I really want" list.  He had gotten his deck done during the last few months.  Here is Mike enjoying his deck:

Electricity is installed and the cushions were ready to go.  Next time - we will be outside a lot more!